While there are surgical procedures to consider all help you lose weight by limiting the amount of food you can eat. Some procedures also limit the amount of nutrients you can absorb. Many who are extremely overweight are looking to achieve a more desirable lifestyle Weight-loss surgery often referred to as bariatric surgery changes the shape and function of your digestive system, and helps you lose weight so you can achieve the lifestyle of your dreams. This surgery may also cure you of life-threatening diseases associated with obesity such as diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, heart disease and stroke.
The most common bariatric surgery stateside is the gastric sleeve or sleeve gastrectomy. If you opted for this procedure, your surgeon would remove a large portion of your stomach to create a tubelike sleeve.
When Should You Consider Robotic Surgery?
Now might be a good time to consider robotic bariatric (weight loss) surgery. Why? Robotic bariatric surgery uses a cutting-edge robot called the da Vinci Robotic System. The benefits of robotic surgery is that it leaves small incisions instead of large, traditional incisions. If you’re like most people and you’re looking for a minimally invasive surgery then robotic surgery should be top on your list.
Keep in mind bariatric surgery is only one part of your treatment plan. Your surgeon and surgical team will also give you nutrition guidelines along with exercise recommendations. You’ll also need to agree with your surgical team’s long-term plan to achieve your weight-loss goals.
If you’re considering weight-loss surgery, you’ll meet with a number of surgical team specialists to help you decide if weight-loss surgery is the right option for you.
When Should You Consider Robotic Surgery?
- Typically, any adult (over 18) with BMI (body mass index) of 40 or higher is a candidate. Your BMI calculates both your weight and height
- Bariatric surgery may also be an option for any adult who meets the following conditions:
- BMI of 35 or higher
- At least one obesity-related life-threatening medical condition
- At least six months of supervised weight-loss attempts
Specialists You’ll Likely Meet Prior to Bariatric Surgery
If you’re considering bariatric surgery, you’ll likely meet with the following surgical team prior to surgery:
- Surgeon
- Anesthesiologist
- Dietitian
- Nurse specializing in weight management
- Psychologist or psychiatrist
Other specialists depending on your medical conditions
Your surgical team will explain what to expect before, during and after the procedure. They will evaluate whether you’re ready for surgery and help you decide if it’s the right choice for you. They may identify areas they believe you need to focus on before surgery including medical, behavioral or psychological.
Potential Medical concerns
You’ll have a medical exam to diagnose any obesity-related conditions. Your doctor might test for issues that could make surgery more complicated. You may undergo tests for:
- Sleep apnea
- Cardiovascular disease
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
You’ll likely have to put off surgery if you have these conditions:
- Blood-clotting disorders
- Severe heart disease that prohibits the safe use of anesthesia
- Other conditions that increase the risk of using anesthesia
Changing Behaviors
Weight loss after surgery depends on your ability to change behaviors that involve eating and exercise. Remember that healthy behaviors and good mental health are critical to following your treatment plan successfully. Your surgical team will identify any psychological or behavioral risk factors and decide whether you’re ready for surgery.
Pre-surgery expectations
If your team members recommend bariatric surgery, they will help you to develop a treatment plan that may include:
- Nutrition guidelines: Your dietitian will help you with nutrition guidelines, vitamin supplements and menu planning before and after surgery.
- Exercise plan: A specialist will help you learn appropriate exercises, develop an exercise plan and set goals.
- Weight loss. You may be asked to lose some weight through diet and exercise before you have surgery.
Psychotherapy. You may be required to treat an eating disorder, stop smoking, or treat depression or other mental health conditions. Your therapy may include developing new coping skills or addressing your concerns about negative body image or self-esteem.
Paying for surgery
Your insurance company may cover the costs of your bariatric surgery. Your surgical team will need to show that the procedure is medically necessary. Also, you may need to provide documented evidence that you weren’t able to lose weight with a supervised program of diet and exercise. Medicare and some Medicaid programs also cover the costs of bariatric surgery.
It’s important to understand your insurance coverage and your anticipated out-of-pocket costs. Your surgeon may recommend financing options like Care credit.
How Soon Can You Exercise After Bariatric Surgery?
At Nova Bariatrics, we recommend you can start anytime you’re ready after surgery, just take it slow. We recommend walking early after surgery to decrease complications and improve recovery. Generally, we recommend walking no longer than 20 minutes in the beginning and slowly progress to longer durations.
Why NOVA Bariatrics?
Over time, obesity along with breathing issues or other life-threatening diseases will cause a breakdown in your body’s systems. This can lead to a deterioration in your health and significantly decrease your life expectancy. Robotic-assisted bariatric surgery is a powerful tool that lets us reverse and prevent you from contracting life-threatening diseases like breathing issues, diabetes, heart disease, gout, cancer and many others associated with extreme obesity.
Dr. Mustafa H. Alibhai, MD, FACS, FASMBS is expertly trained in minimally invasive and robotic surgery. He performs a wide range of weight loss and bariatric surgeries. Dr. Alibhai and the surgical team at NOVA Bariatrics understand your weight loss goals and will recommend weight loss options to treat your obesity. Together, their combined experience and expertise go a long way to help those who have been unable to achieve significant weight loss through dieting and exercise alone.
Contact NOVA Bariatrics Today
Ready to reinvent yourself, gain more confidence, treat any weight-related illnesses like diabetes, and experience lasting weight loss? Then contact Dr. Alibhai or our team at NOVA Bariatrics today and either book online or call us at 459-639-0953. We have convenient offices in Irving and Arlington, TX and we’re waiting to help you achieve all your weight loss goals.